Long before Keith Olbermann was an egotistical know-it-all shill for the Obama campaign he was and egotistical know-it-all Sportscenter anchor. Teamed with Dan Patrick, the duo was entertaining, funny and informative. Since they parted ways in 1997 we have been subjected by ESPN to countless imitators whose partnerships never quite worked.
On Monday, NBC announced they are going to try and re-capture the magic by bringing these two together again. Besides, some media coverage, and Olbermann’s show coverage, the announcement seems to have been received with apathy. The question is will anyone care? Will this bring in more viewers? The answer is no.
Most sports fans no longer connect Olbermann to sports. He has taken his career on a political path. Plus, did his addition last year make Sunday Night Football more interesting?? Nope.
(Does Bob Costas really need help hosting a pre-game show anyway?)
Patrick has moved from ESPN and is still in the sports business, but will he draw viewers? Does his name carry any special cache that will suddenly make people tune in early for highlights? Doubtful.
Besides the obvious advertising revenue, it’s puzzling to see NBC waste money on high-profile talent like Costas, Olbermann, Patrick, etc. for a pre-game show. By the time they are on the air, most fans know the scores, and what has happened over the course of the day. The show is an exercise in frivolity and ego gratification. The addition of Dan Patrick doesn’t add any informational weight or entertainment value. It will only further add to a show of smug personalities only entertaining themselves. If football fans want that they can always turn to ESPN.
